Payson vs Provo: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Payson, UT and Provo, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Payson, UT | Provo, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,095 | $96,545▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.43 | $46.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,903 | $73,112▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,984 | $87,447▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,629 | $99,714▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,517 | $101,435▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 930▲ |
Verdict
Provo, UT offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Payson.
The salary gap between Payson and Provo is $12,450 (14.80%). Provo's median is -6.22% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Payson spans $33,614,Provo spans $28,323. Payson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Provo ($98,283 effective) pays 14.65% more than Payson ($85,724 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Payson if…
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Provo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,545/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,435)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,283)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Payson grew 18.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Provo over the same period.
Payson, UT
$67,501 (2020) → $80,136 (2025)
Provo, UT
$75,060 (2020) → $92,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Payson, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov